BMW’s IX3 is an “new category” of EV that packs a lot of scope and computing power

For years, BMW was harassing The next “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle platform from the next generation, with better batteries, better scope and “superbrain” new new with improved computing power. Today, the German auto company recently revealed the first Neue Klasse: IX3. For the first paintings, it has a lot to take it.

The IX3, which first appeared at the Munich Motor Show, represents the 109 -year -old attempt to re -invent itself as car makers that focus on the future and understand the increasing importance of programs in the automotive world. It is also a spear tip in BMW’s efforts to challenge the increasing effect of China, which has become the first in the world for high -tech electric cars. IX3 will soon be linked to other models of Neue Klasse over the next two years, as BMW radically changes the way it is designed, building and selling what he calls the “final driving machine”.

Of course, everything will be it if IX3 is not a convincing EV with the deadly driving specifications. At first look, it seems that BMW may take it out of the garden.

IX3 will be the first EV from BMW based on a 800 -volt structure, which the auto manufacturer says will enable fast charging speeds of up to 400 kW, adding up to 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes. (Most of the United States fast charging devices offer speeds of 150 to 350 kW.) IX3 is also the first EV receives advanced cylindrical battery cells from BMW, which reaches 30 percent of the range by 30 percent of the speed of charging faster, and 20 percent of power density by 50 percent for construction.

BMW was not ready to detect the accurate energy content of the new battery package in IX3, but it said it would operate the SAV for more than 400 miles of the estimated range of the Environmental Protection Agency. This is less than 600 miles of the range that the auto manufacturer was expecting in 2022, but it will still place the IX3 between the top layer of the current EV in terms of scope.

The first variable to start the assembly line at the newly created BMW factory in Hungary is the IX3 50 xdrive, with a SUV preparation that is capable of spitting on 463 hp and 476 lb -ft. This version will strike American agents by mid -2016, starting at $ 60,000, with rear -wheel drive models to follow up shortly.

IX3 will be the first BMW model to be characterized by the auto industry Strange computer name “Heart of Joy”It is one of the “Superbrains”. This modest black box collects all traction and stability functions and managing electric motors that are usually dealt with through dozens of different processors obtained from dozens of different suppliers and spread throughout the car. In uniting these jobs, IX3 will surely be an explosion of driving, as it is experienced edge The shareholder Tim Stevens earlier this year.

Group a set of screens-a set of tools, display, heads, and central screen Idrive panoramicWhich works on the Android operating system in Android, X. BMW says it raises the experience with IX3 to make sure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and avoid deviations. As such, the auto industry company included handles and physical buttons of the most important controls, including HVAC, the volume of sound, mirror control, and warning lights.

(BMW does not mention its suppliers in its press statement, but the auto company also announced today the leadership of a new driving mechanism to lead the 2 Plus, which I developed with Qualcomm.)

IX3 is the first BMW battle in the world of cars, knowledge of programs. So there are a lot of digital features that the automobile manufacturer says will improve over time through air updates. At launch, BMW claims to have achieved a “superior intelligence” in the form of internal lamps automatically if the car sensors discover that the driver is looking for something, or the flap of the shipping port that opens automatically when discovering a plug that approaches. Other examples include application notifications if the car discovers something moving inside while locking it.

Digital keys on smartphones or smart watches will be the “favorite” way to unlock and start IX3, says BMW, noting that it supports all major manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung and Google. The CarPlay Wireless Apple and Android Auto supports.

The first thing you notice about IX3 is the most excitable alignment kidney network, which distinguishes it from some of its ancestors. Some may argue that the BMW signature design feature has been a little out of control in the EV era, as it spread brilliantly across the IX front end, for example. Therefore, it may be a shock that the auto company will reduce its aggression for its leading battery -running car. Instead of a wider grille, we get a new horizontal shocking design that offers more sophisticated.

In terms of size, IX3 is almost the same length I4, while slightly taller (64.4 inches) and slightly wider (74.6 inches). And in 188.3 inches, not as long as NinthBut longer than most X3 gas releases.

BMW is racing to keep up with Tesla and a new generation of Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and Xpeng, which intuitively understand software and have for years that build vehicles with cheerful digital experiences. The German auto industry has made a lot of progress, with EVS and Spatial Seeing two -year sales growth throughout the year.

With governments trading around the world from EV incentives, BMW will face a new challenge about the ability to withstand costs. The luxury and distinctive EV space is full of gills, as penitential players like BMW, Mercedes and Audi are competing against new arrivals such as Tesla, Lucid and Rivian. IX3 will not bother the balance a lot, but it is an important piece of the BMW mission to persuade buyers that when it comes to EVS with the ideal balance between range, power and software, it is the final option.